Jewelry Method and Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A replaceable device or plate is provided, which can be inserted into an earring base. The devices or plates can be configured to substantially span an opening of an earring base while they are securely and removably attached to the earring base. The earring base may comprised of a substantially closed curve substantially surrounding a substantially central opening. The first device may include a designation, such as a letter, word or phrase, and a logo or symbol. The substantially closed curve may be substantially circular.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning jewelry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various devices known in the prior art for providing jewelry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a replaceable device or plate, which can be inserted into an earring base. The devices or plates can be configured to span an opening of an earring base while they are securely and removably attached to the earring base.

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a first device, an earring base, and an attachment device for attaching an earring base to an ear lobe of an individual. The earring base may comprised of a substantially closed curve substantially surrounding a substantially central opening. The first device can be removably attached to the earring base such that the first device substantially spans the substantially central opening when the first device is attached to the earring base. The first device may include a designation, such as a letter, word or phrase, and a logo or symbol. The substantially closed curve may be substantially circular.

The earring base may include first and second receptacles which substantially oppose one another. The first device has first and second protrusions, located at first and second ends, respectively, of the first device. The first and second protrusions can be inserted simultaneously into the first and second receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.

The first device may include a plate. The first device may include first and second members, which are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate. The first and second protrusions may be fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively. Each of the first and second receptacles may be a recess in the earring base.

In another embodiment, the earring base may include first, second, third, and fourth receptacles. The first receptacle may be adjacent the second receptacle. The third receptacle may be adjacent the fourth receptacle. The first and third receptacles may substantially oppose one another. The second and fourth receptacles may substantially oppose one another. The first device may have first, second, third and fourth protrusions which can be inserted simultaneously into the first, second, third, and fourth receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.

In another embodiment the first device may include first, second, third, and fourth members, which are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate. The first, second, third, and fourth protrusions may be fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively.

A method is also disclosed of using an apparatus, as previously described, as an earring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a first perspective view of a first device for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a second perspective view of the first device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows a first perspective view of a second device for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a second perspective view of the second device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows a first perspective view of a third device for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a second perspective view of the third device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A shows a first perspective view of a fourth device for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows a second perspective view of the fourth device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A shows a first perspective view of a third earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B shows a second perspective view of the third earring base of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A shows a first perspective view of a fourth earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B shows a second perspective view of the fourth earring base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the first device of FIGS. 1A-B, attached to the first earring base of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the third device of FIGS. 3A-B, attached to the third earring base of FIGS. 7A-B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B show first and second perspective views, respectively, of a first device 10 for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first device 10 may be a plate which is formed, shaped, or cutout in the form of a word or words, a pattern, a logo, and/or any other design. The first device 10 may be a metal plate made of tin, zinc, lead, iron, steel, aluminum, sterling silver, silver, white gold, yellow gold, platinum, or any material typically used for jewelry or any coating or combination of these materials. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-B, the first device 10 is a metal plate shaped or formed into the word “New York” with underlining and a small heart shown under the “N”. The device 10 includes the body 12 and the design 12 a. The device 10 has an end 11 a and an end 11 b.

The device 10 also includes attachment device 14 at end 11 b, shown in FIG. 1A, and attachment device 16, shown in FIG. 1B, at end 11 a. The attachment device 14 includes a portion 14 a and a portion 14 b. The portion 14 a is attached to the body 12 and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the body 12. The portion 14 b is attached to the portion 14 a and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the portion 14 a. Similarly, the portion 16 a is attached to the body 12 and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the body 12. The portion 16 b is attached to the portion 16 a and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the portion 16 a.

The attachment devices 14 and 16 may be attached to the body 12 so that the body 12 overlaps the portions 14 b and 16 b. For example, the “k” in “New York”, shown in FIG. 1A, may overlap or substantially overlap the portion 14 b, and the “N” in “New York”, shown in FIG. 1B, may overlap or substantially overlap the portion 16 b. The overlapping allows the attachment devices 14 and 16 to be hidden or substantially hidden when the device 10 is attached to an earring base, such as shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 2A-B show first and second perspective views, respectively, of a second device 110 for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second device 110 may be a plate which is formed, shaped, or cutout in the form of a word or words, a pattern, a logo, and/or any other design. The second device 110 may be a metal plate made of any of the materials referred to with reference to the first device 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, the second device 110 is a metal plate shaped or formed into the word “New York” with underlining and a small heart shown under the “N”. The second device 110 includes the body 112 and the design 112 a. The device 110 has an end 111 a and an end 111 b.

The device 110 also includes attachment devices 114 and 116 at end 111 b, shown in FIG. 2A, and attachment devices 118 and 120, shown in FIG. 2B, at end 111 a. The attachment device 114 includes a portion 114 a and a portion 114 b. The portion 114 a is attached to the body 112 and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the body 112. The portion 114 b is attached to the portion 114 a and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the portion 114 a. Similarly, the attachment devices 116, 118, and 120 include portions 116 a-b, 118 a-b, and 120 a-b, respectively. The portions 116 a, 118 a, and 120 a are attached to the body 112 and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the body 112. The portions 116 b, 118 b, and 120 b are attached to the portions 116 a, 118 a, and 120 a, respectively, and may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the portions 116 a, 118 a, and 120 a, respectively.

The attachment devices 114, 116, 118, and 120 may be attached to the body 112 so that the body 112 overlaps the portions 114 b, 116 b, 118 b, and 120 b. For example, the “k” in “New York” and/or the underlining, shown in FIG. 2A, may overlap or substantially overlap the portion 114 b and 116 b, and the “N” in “New York” and/or the underlining, shown in FIG. 2B, may overlap or substantially overlap the portions 118 b and 120 b. The overlapping allows the attachment devices 114, 116, 118, and 120 to be hidden or substantially hidden when the device 110 is attached to an earring base.

FIGS. 3A-B show first and second perspective views, respectively, of a third device 210 for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The third device 210 may be a plate which is formed, shaped, or cutout in the form of a word or words, a pattern, a logo, and/or any other design. The third device 210 may be a metal plate made of any of the materials referred to for the first device 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B, the third device 210 is a metal plate shaped or formed into the word “New York” with underlining and a small heart shown under the “N”. The device 210 includes the body 212 and the design 212 a. The device 210 has an end 211 a and an end 211 b.

The device 210 also includes attachment device 214 at end 211 b, shown in FIG. 3A, and attachment device 216, shown in FIG. 3B, at end 211 a. The attachment devices 214 and 216 may be substantially parallel and substantially level with the body 212.

FIGS. 4A-B show first and second perspective views, respectively, of a fourth device 310 for attaching to an earring base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fourth device 310 may be a plate which is formed, shaped, or cutout in the form of a word or words, a pattern, a logo, and/or any other design. The fourth device 310 may be a metal plate made of any of the materials referred to for the first device 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-B, the fourth device 210 is a metal plate shaped or formed into the word “New York” with underlining and a small heart shown under the “N”. The fourth device 310 includes the body 312 and the design 312 a. The device 310 has an end 311 a and an end 311 b.

The device 310 also includes attachment devices 314 and 316 at end 311 b, shown in FIG. 4A, and attachment devices 318 and 320, shown in FIG. 4B, at end 311 a. The attachment devices 314, 316, 318, and 320 may be substantially parallel and substantially level with the body 312.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first earring base 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first earring base 400 has a body 410 which is shaped substantially in the form of a hoop or circle with a large central opening 420. The body 410 has a plurality of portions including portions 410 a and 410 b which are substantially opposite one another. Slots 412 a and 412 b are located on the tops of portions 410 a and 410 b, respectively. The first earring base 400 also includes a pin or rod 416 having a point at end 416 a and attached at an end 416 b to a pivot device 414. The first earring base 400 also includes a clasp or attachment device 418. In operation the earring base 400 can be attached to a lobe of a person's ear by pivoting the pin or rod 416 about pivot device 414 and inserting the end 416 a through a hole in the lobe of the person's ear. The pin or rod 416 can then be closed into clasp 418 so that clasp 418 holds the end 416 a in place as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second earring base 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second earring base 500 has a body 510 which is shaped substantially in the form of a hoop or circle with a large central opening 520. The body 510 has a plurality of portions including portions 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, and 510 d. The portions 510 a and 510 c are substantially opposite one another. The portions 510 b and 510 d are substantially opposite one another. Slots 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, and 512 d are located on the tops of portions 510 a 510 b, 510 c, and 510 d, respectively. The second earring base 500 also includes a pin or rod 516 having a point at end 516 a and attached at an end 516 b to a pivot device 514. The second earring base 500 also includes a clasp or attachment device 518. In operation the earring base 500 can be attached to a lobe of a person's ear by pivoting the pin or rod 516 about pivot device 514 and inserting the end 516 a through a hole in the lobe of the person's ear. The pin or rod 516 can then be closed into clasp 518 so that clasp 518 holds the end 516 a in place as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7A shows a first perspective view of a third earring base 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a second perspective view of the third earring base 600 of FIG. 7A. The third earring base 600 has a body 610 which is shaped substantially in the form of a hoop or circle with a large central opening 620. The body 610 has a plurality of portions including portions 610 a and 610 b which are substantially opposite one another. Slots 612 a, shown in FIG. 7A, and 612 b, shown in FIG. 7B, are located in the sides of portions 610 a and 610 b, respectively. The third earring base 600 also includes a pin or rod 616 having a point at end 616 a and attached at an end 616 b to a pivot device 614. The third earring base 600 also includes a clasp or attachment device 618. In operation, the earring base 600 can be attached to a lobe of a person's ear by pivoting the pin or rod 616 about pivot device 614, so that it becomes unattached form the clasp 618, and inserting the end 616 a through a hole in the lobe of the person's ear. The pin or rod 616 can then be closed into clasp 618 so that clasp 618 holds the end 616 a in place as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows a first perspective view of a fourth earring base 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B shows a second perspective view of the fourth earring base 700 of FIG. 8A. The fourth earring base 700 has a body 710 which is shaped substantially in the form of a hoop or circle with a large central opening 720. The body 710 has a plurality of portions including portions 710 a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d. The portions 710 a and 710 c are substantially opposite one another. The portions 710 b and 710 d are substantially opposite one another. Slots 712 a, 712 b, 712 c, and 712 d are located in the sides of portions 710 a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d, respectively. The fourth earring base 700 also includes a pin or rod 716 having a point at end 716 a and attached at an end 716 b to a pivot device 714. The fourth earring base 700 also includes a clasp or attachment device 718. In operation, the fourth earring base 700 can be attached to a lobe of a person's ear by pivoting the pin or rod 716 about pivot device 714, so that it becomes unattached from the clasp 718, and inserting the end 716 a through a hole in the lobe of the person's ear. The pin or rod 716 can then be, rotated or pivoted back, and closed into clasp 718 so that clasp 718 holds the end 716 a in place as shown in FIG. 8A.

In operation, the device 10 can be attached to the first earring base 400 by inserting the portions 16 b and 14 b of the attachment devices 16 and 14, respectively, shown in FIGS. 1A-B, into the slots 412 a and 412 b, respectively, shown in FIG. 5, so that the device 10 covers or substantially covers the slots 412 a and 412 b as shown in FIG. 9. The device 10 may be able to be bent or bowed so that the portions 16 b and 14 b can be more easily inserted into the slots 412 a and 412 b. The portions 16 b and 14 b may be configured so that they are bent slightly downwards (i.e. at an angle of greater than ninety degrees with respect to portions 16 a and 14 a, respectively), so that the portions 16 b and 14 b may be more easily inserted into the slots 412 a and 412 b.

Similarly, the device 110 can be inserted into the second earring base 500, so that the portions 118 b, 120 b, 116 b, and 114 b are inserted into the slots 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, and 512 d, respectively. The device 110 can be configured so that it substantially covers the slots 512 a-512 d when the device 110 is attached similar to FIG. 9.

Similarly, the device 210 can be inserted into the third earring base 600, so that the attachment devices 216 and 214 are inserted into the slots 612 a and 612 b, respectively.

Similarly, the device 310 can be inserted into the fourth earring base 700, so that the attachment devices 320, 318, 316, and 314 are inserted into the slots 712 a, 712 b, 712 c, and 712 d, respectively.

The device 10 is configured so that when it is attached to the earring base 400, as in FIG. 9, the device 10 spans the opening 420 and is securely removably attached to the earring base 400. The device 110 is similarly configured with respect to the corresponding earring base 500, so that the device 110 will span the opening 520 while it is securely removably attached to the earring base 500.

The device 20 is configured so that when it is attached to the earring base 600, as in FIG. 10, the device 210 spans the opening 620 and is securely removably attached to the earring base 600. The device 310 is similarly configured with respect to the corresponding earring base 700 of FIGS. 8A-B, so that the device 310 will span the opening 720 while it is securely removably attached to the earring base 700.

The earring bases, such as 400, 500, 600, and 700, may be replaced by any shape, such as a heart shape, a smooth circular shape, or a substantially closed curve shape. Also any of the devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 may be configured or reconfigured to be able to be securely attached to any of earring bases 400, 500, 600, and 700. The earring bases, such as 400, 500, 600, and 700, and the devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 may be replaced by or may be any type, style or design.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a first device; an earring base; and an attachment device for attaching the earring base to an ear lobe of an individual; and wherein the earring base is comprised of a substantially closed curve substantially surrounding a substantially central opening; wherein the first device can be removably attached to the earring base such that the first device substantially spans the substantially central opening when the first device is attached to the earring base; and wherein the first device includes a designation.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the substantially closed curve is substantially circular.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the earring base includes first and second receptacles which substantially oppose one another; and wherein the first device has a first end and a second end; wherein the first device has first and second protrusions, located at the first and second ends, respectively, which can be inserted simultaneously into the first and second receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first device includes a plate; the first device includes first and second members; wherein the first and second members are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate; and wherein the first and second protrusions are fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of the first and second receptacles is a recess in the earring base.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the designation includes a plurality of letters of the alphabet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the designation includes a symbol.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the earring base includes first, second, third, and fourth receptacles; wherein the first receptacle is adjacent the second receptacle; wherein the third receptacle is adjacent the fourth receptacle; wherein the first and third receptacles substantially oppose one another; wherein the second and fourth receptacles substantially oppose one another; and wherein the first device has first, second, third and fourth protrusions which can be inserted simultaneously into the first, second, third, and fourth receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first device includes a plate; the first device includes first, second, third, and fourth members; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth members are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate; and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions are fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth receptacles is a recess in the earring base.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the designation includes a plurality of letters of the alphabet.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the designation includes a symbol.
 13. A method comprising using an apparatus as an earring; wherein the apparatus is comprised of: a first device; an earring base; and an attachment device for attaching the earring base to an ear lobe of an individual; and wherein the earring base is comprised of a substantially closed curve substantially surrounding a substantially central opening; wherein the first device can be removably attached to the earring base such that the first device substantially spans the substantially central opening when the first device is attached to the earring base; and wherein the device includes a designation.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the substantially closed curve is substantially circular.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the earring base includes first and second receptacles which substantially oppose one another; and wherein the first device has a first end and a second end; wherein the first device has first and second protrusions, located at the first and second ends, respectively, which can be inserted simultaneously into the first and second receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first device includes a plate; the first device includes first and second members; wherein the first and second members are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate; and wherein the first and second protrusions are fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein each of the first and second receptacles is a recess in the earring base.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the designation includes a plurality of letters of the alphabet.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the designation includes a symbol.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the earring base includes first, second, third, and fourth receptacles; wherein the first receptacle is adjacent the second receptacle; wherein the third receptacle is adjacent the fourth receptacle; wherein the first and third receptacles substantially oppose one another; wherein the second and fourth receptacles substantially oppose one another; and wherein the first device has first, second, third and fourth protrusions which can be inserted simultaneously into the first, second, third, and fourth receptacles, respectively, to attach the first device to the earring base.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the first device includes a plate; the first device includes first, second, third, and fourth members; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth members are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plate; and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions are fixed substantially perpendicular to the first and second members, respectively.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth receptacles is a recess in the earring base.
 23. The method of claim 20 wherein the designation includes a plurality of letters of the alphabet.
 24. The method of claim 20 wherein the designation includes a symbol. 